HC Deb 11 April 1972 vol 834 cc1012-3
11. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning the reduction in grants to drivers of invalid vehicles; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Alison

None, Sir. The grants payable to individual drivers of invalid vehicles have not, in general, been reduced.

Mr. Dempsey

Is it not the case that there are individuals who will suffer substantial reductions? I have a Dunkirk veteran in my constituency who lost both his legs and his net allowance will be reduced by £35. Where he receives the £5 increase, he loses the hand-controls benefit. When these people reach retirement age they can lose the car altogether. Is this not a cheap, mean and miserable way to treat people who have served their country and sacrificed themselves for it so faithfully in past years?

Mr. Alison

I should want to look at the individual case which the hon. Member quoted. The figure of £35 may arise as a result of their no longer being an obligation to provide a garage, but I would like to look at the particular case the hon. Member mentioned.